Mining machine



N. D. LEVIN MINING MACHINE Aug. 29 1939.

Original Filed Jan. 3, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet l f/VVf/VTOQ. NILS D. LEWN.

N. D. LEVIN MINING MACHINE Aug. 29, 1939.

Original Filed Jan. 5, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 e W N mw mm V W f5 /m m Ema N' D. LEVIN MINING MACHINE Aug. 29, 193 9.

- Original Filed Jan. 3, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 WVf/W'OB NlL5 D. LEVIN,

A g.29,1939. LEVIN f 2,170,928. MINING MACHINE Original Filed Jan. 3, 1935 e Sheets-Sheet 5 Gal BY 25 I, 29

N. D. LEVIN HIRING IAOHIHE Aug. 29, 1939.

Original Filed Jan. 5, 193's 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 f/VI/f/VTOE v NlLs D. LEVlN,

Arr):

Patented Aug. 29, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE llHNING MACHINE Nils D. Levin, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Ohio Application January 3, 1936, Serial No. 57,376 Renewed June 13, 1939 20 Claims.

This invention relates to a mining machine and more particularly to a track mounted coal cutting machine.

An object of the invention is to provide a very flexible Keri-cutting machine, which is particularly adapted to cut horizontal kerfs between wide limits, from a position adjacent a mine bottom to a great height and avoid any blind spots whatever between the two extreme positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kerf-cutting machine which is capable of cutting both vertical and horizontal kerfs, the latter being between wide limits without any blind spots.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mining machine including mechanism whereby the overall height of the machine may be relatively small to allow its use in low vein mines, but which may be extended to an appreciable height.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved and efiicient mechanism for supporting a turnover head, on a track mounted mining machine for adjustment in elevation, combined with slide thrust bearings in a compact space so as to reduce to a minimum the length of the machine to thereby facilitate transportation along sharp curves of the mine track and so as to relieve such adjusting mechanism of the back thrust during rectilinear feed of the cutting mechanism.

Another object of the invention is the provision of compact, improved and eflicient mechanism between slide thrust bearings and the turnover head of an elongated chain kerf-cutter, for adjusting the elevation of such head, combined with mechanism associated therewith for driving the kerf-cutter.

Another object of the invention is the provision of improved and efficient means comprising sprocket chain gearing for adjusting the elevation of the cutter of a mining machine.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of compact, improved and eflicient means comprising worm gearing and sprocket and a chain drive connected thereto, for turning over at a relatively slow speed the cutter head of a mining machine and locking the head in adjusted position.

A further object is the provision in a turnover head mining machine of means comprising parallel screws located between slide thrustbearings and a neck supporting the head, for adjusting the neck relative to supporting framework, and associating such means with the power transmission mechanism for driving the cutter, in such compact relation as to reduce to a minimum the length of the mining machine.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a box-like enclosure for elevating mechanism of a kerf-cutter which shall also serve to co- 5 operate with slide thrust bearings to form guideways for the cutter head of a mining machine.

A further object of the invention is the provision of turnover head mechanism for the cutting mechanism of a mining machine combined 10 with means for adjusting the turnover head mechanism and with slidable thrust bearing guides in position to relieve the adjusting means of feeding pressure or back thrust.

Another object is the provision of improved 15 and efiicient mechanism for reducing to a minimum the radius of arcuate feeding movement of a kerf-cutter on a turntable axis, in a mining machine in which the kerf-cutter can be adjusted on a turnover head axis, and also in parallelism 20 and at right angles to such axis.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the mining machine comprising my invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken on 30 the line 33 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail plan view of the cutter-head with cover plates removed;

Fig. 6 is a front elevational sectional view taken on the line 66 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. '7 is a front elevational sectional view taken on the line l! of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 is a detail elevational side view with parts shown in section, showing the head elevat- 45 ing clutch and the operating means therefor;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 5, showing the mounting of an idler gear;

Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of the front end 50 of the truck showing particularly the drive means for elevating the turntable;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the drive means for rotating the turntable;

Fig, 12 is a sectional elevational View taken on 55 the line l2l2 of Fig. 11, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 13 is a sectional elevational view taken on the line l3-|3 of Fig. 11, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 14 is a sectional plan view taken on the line i4-i4 of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 15 is a sectional plan view showing details of the turn-over head clutch, and taken on the line ll5 of Fig. '7, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 16 is a sectional plan view taken on the line l5--l6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail elevational view showing one of the clutches for the turntable elevating mechanism;

Fig. 18 is a sectional elevational view showing the structure of one of the posts of the turntable elevating mechanism;

Fig. 19 is a schematic elevational view showing the range of horizontal cuts which may be made by the machine with the turnover head in the bottom position;

Fig. 20 is a schematic elevational view of the machine showing the range of horizontal cuts with the turn-over head in the upper position;

and

Fig. 21 is a schematic elevational View of the mining machine showing the range of vertical cuts and the method of making said cuts between the two extreme positions.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is seen a mining machine comprising my invention which includes a number of the elements disclosed. in prior patents issued to me, such as my patent, for Coal mining apparatus, No. 1,904,489, issued April 18, 1933, and my patent, for Coal cutting machine, No. 1,867,853, issued July 19, 1932.

Certain features of the invention herein disclosed and particularly those features disclosed in detail in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, are also disclosed in full detail and claimed in my application, for a Mining machine, Serial No. 656,697, filed February 14, 1933.

The mining machine comprises a main frame 26 adapted to be mounted upon track rails 2! by wheels 22. Driving of the mining machine upon the track rails 2d at either a sumping speed or a transportation speed is provided by virtue of a truck motor 23 which is connected to said wheels 22 through appropriate drive means including the chain 24 (Fig. and appropriate variable speed gearing mechanism. A reel mounted electrical cable 25 is provided. for supplying electrical current to the motor 23 and to other electrical apparatus on the machine.

Mounted upon the main frame 2|! for vertical adjustment in both a horizontal plane and in planes which are tilted to the horizontal, there is a turntable frame 26 adapted to carry a turntable 2'5. The turntable frame 26 carriesrollers 23 adapted to permit rotation of said turntable 27 about a vertical axis relative to said frame 26. Vertical adjustment of the turntable frame 26 is provided by virtue of three supporting posts 25! by which said turntable frame 26 is supported upon the main frame 26 for adjustment with respect thereto. The structure of the posts 29 is illustrated in detail in Figs. 17 and 18 and is described in full detail and claimed in my abovementioned Patent No. 1,904,489. Reference i made to that patent for a complete description of the operation of these adjustable posts.

Briefly described, it may be pointed out that the turntable frame 26 is supported by a screw shaft 36 which co-operates with a second telescoping screw shaft 3l. The screw shaft 3| is supported for vertical adjustment with respect to the main frame 20 by a threaded cup 32. An individually operable clutch 33, shown in detail in Fig. 17, is provided for each of the adjustable posts 29 whereby it is possible to control the elevation of one portion of the turntable frame 2'6 independent of any other portion thereof.

As best seen in Fig. 10 of the drawings, a continuous chain 34 is provided for operating the three adjustable posts 29. The chain 34 is driven from the motor 23 through appropriate gearing mechanism. It is evident that by engaging each of the three clutches associated with the three adjustable posts 29, all of said adjustable posts may be operated at once to provide elevation of the turntable frame 26 in a horizontal plane, While by operating the clutches 33 individually, said turntable frame 26 may be tilted universally. It should be pointed out that by employing the particular adjustable post mechanism illustrated, an extremely wide range of adjustment of the height and inclination of the turntable 27 is provided. This feature is of importance in providing for cutting of both horizontal and vertical kerfs, the former between wide limits while avoiding completely the presence of any blind spots.

The turntable 27 is mounted upon the turntable frame 26 for rotation about an upright axis by means which may take the form disclosed in my aforementioned application Serial No. 656,697 and as illustrated in Figs. 1, 11, 12 and 13 of the drawings, or it may take the form of the means disclosed and claimed in my aforementioned Patent No. 1,867 ,853. Briefly described, this means, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises a motor 35 which is also the motor for driving the kerf cutter and the head elevating mechanism, which motor is provided with a shaft 36 carrying a pinion 31. The pinion 3'! meshes with bevel gear 38 mounted upon a vertical shaft 39 (Fig 3).

Eccentric mechanism 46 is provided to drive the double pawl M upon rotation of the shaft 39. The double pawl M co-operates selectively with one of the two ratchet wheels 42 or 43 to rotate the shaft 44 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction dependent on which of said ratchet wheels is exposed to its pawl by a controlling shield. The shaft 44 carries a worm 65 which meshes with worm gear 46, which worm gear 45 is adapted to drive gear 4'! through friction clutch mechanism id. Engagement or disengagement of said friction clutch mechanism 68 will determine whether or not the gear 47 rotates upon rotation of shaft 44. Gear l! meshes with gear 49 which drives pinion gear 50 through shaft 5!, which pinion gear 56 meshes with a large ring gear 52 rigidly attached to the turntable frame 26.

As illustrated in Figs. 11 and 13, operation of the clutch 43 may be effected through chain and sprocket drive means 53 adapted to be operated from hand wheel 54- through a pair of bevel gears 55. It will thus be evident that readily controllable means are provided for controlling the rotation of the turntable 2'! with respect to the turntable frame 26 which, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises a friction controlled gear connection between the motor 35 and. the ring gear 52 associated with said turntable frame 26. The speed of rotation of said turntable may be adjusted by adjustable shield controlling means seen at 56 in Fig. 1, and the direction of rotation thereof may be controlled by determining which of the two ratchet wheels 42 or 43 is in operative relation with the double pawl M. (Fig. 11.) This provides for rotation of the turntable 21 in either direction and at variable speeds regardless of the direction of rotation of. the motor 35 which motor is reversible for purposes hereinafter more apparent. The details of said controlling means 56 are shown in my Patent No. 1,867,853.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 19, 20 and 21, it may be pointed out that an adjustable turn-over head support 5'! is mounted upon the turntable 27 and extends forwardly therefrom, to which is adjustably mounted a turn-over head 58. The turn-over head 58 carries an adjustable cutter bar 59 adapted to support the kerf cutting chain 69.

It will be evident that there are three principal vertical adjustments which provide for the cutting of a plurality of horizontal kerfs illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. For example, with the turn-over head 58 adjusted so that the cutter bar 59 extends from the bottom thereof, as illus-- trated in Fig. 19, it is possible to cut kerfs at any place between the extreme positions illustrated by the kerfs 6| and 62. That is, the turnover head 58 may be adjusted vertically with respect to the adjustable turn-over head support 51, by means hereinafter described more in detail, to position the cutter bar 59 anywhere between the kerf 6| and the kerf 63. Further adjustment of the cutter bar 59 to any position between the kerf illustrated at 63 and the kerf illustrated at 62 is provided by adjustment of the adjustable posts 29. By adjusting the turn-over head mechanism 59 so that the cutter bar 59 is on top thereof, kerfs may be out between the two positions illustrated by kerfs 64 and 65, by an adjustment of the posts 29 and of the adjustable turn-over head support 51. For example, kerfs may be out between the positions illustrated by kerfs 64 and 66 by adjustment of the adjustable turn-over head support 51 and between the kerfs 65 and 65 by the additional adjustment provided by the posts 29. The kerfs 62 of Fig. 19 and the kerfs 65 of Fig. 20 are either coextensive or the former is at a higher elevation than the latter.

It is thus evident that by virtue of the adjustment provided by adjustable posts 29, adjustable turn-over head support 51, and the turn-over head 59, kerfs may be cut in any horizontal plane between the kerfs illustrated at 6| and 64 in Figs. 19 and 20 without any blind spots whatever. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the posts 29 so that the kerfs not be horizontal but may be inclined to the horizontal to any reasonable degree. This provides for the removal of any dirty bands which may not be entirely horizontal.

Due to the universal mounting of the turntable Z'l, it will of course be evident that this inclination of the cutter bar 59 may be either about a longitudinal or transverse axis, or both. By adjusting the turn-over head 58 so that the cutter bar 59 is in a vertical plane. as illustrated in Fig. 21, and then by adjusting the adjustable turn-over head support 51 and the turntable 21 by means of the adjustable posts 29, vertical kerfs may be out between the extreme positions of horizontal kerfs 6| and 64.

By virtue of a further adjustment between the cutter bar 59 and the turn-over head 58, which will be hereinafter described more in detail, the

cutter bar 59 may be pivoted with respect to the turn-over head 58 to any desired position where it may be locked. This adjustment may be useful to realize the full range of vertical cuts desired by the machine.

Attention is now directed particularly to Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 which illustrate in detail the operating mechanism which provides the numerous adjustments above considered. The adjustable turn-over head support 51 comprises a frame I9 which may be bolted to the turntable 21 by bolts 'II and is adapted to extend forwardly therefrom and project downwardly, as well illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The frame I9 is of course mounted rigidly with respect to the turntable 21. Within said frame I9 there is provided a vertically adjustable frame 12 provided with guide rails I3 (Fig. 4) adapted to be guided for vertical adjustment by receiving guideways I4 of said rigid frame I9.

The adjustable frame I2 is provided with laterally extending brackets 15 and I6, one on each side, adapted to receive the threaded square nuts 11 and I8, respectively and to prevent rotation thereof. The brackets I5 and I6 are provided with upper and lower webs, each bifurcated, whereby the nuts 17 and I8, respectively, may be readily removed by outward lateral movement, as seen in Fig. 4, but are restricted against vertical movement either upwardly or downwardly.

Received by the nuts I1 and I8 and in threaded relation therewith is a pair of upstanding screw shafts I9 and 89, respectively. Said screw shafts I9 and 89 are carried by the rigid frame I9 by appropriate journal bearings SI and 82, respectively, adjacent the bottoms thereof and journal bearings 83 and 84 adjacent the tops thereof.

Pin and plate type thrust bearings are provided at 85, 86, 8'! and 88 for transferring the vertical forces received by screw shafts I9 and 89 to the rigid frame Hi. It will be evident, of course, that upon rotation of the screw shafts I9 and the vertically adjustable frame I2 will be adjusted vertically with respect to the rigid frame 19.

As best seen in Figs. 3 and 6, the adjustable frame I2 carries a bottom plate 99 adapted to support a bevel gear 99 upon anti-friction bearing 9| which bevel gear 99 is keyed rigid with a quill 92 splined to a vertically extending spline shaft 93. A cup 94 is also carried by the adjustable frame I2 and with the bottom plate 89 supports the quill 92 for rotation by appropriate journal bearings 95 and 96, respectively.

It will be evident, of course, that the spline shaft 93 co-operates with the quill 92 to allow vertical adjustment of said adjustable frame I2 relative to said rigid frame I9 while transferring rotary motion from the shaft 93 to the bevel gear 99 in any position of adjustment of said adjustable frame I2. The spline shaft 93 is mounted upon the rigid frame I9 by an antifriction ball. bearing 91 adapted to fit in a cup 98. A dished sprocket 99 is provided for driving the shaft 93, a dish-shaped construction being employed to house the bearing 9'! while maintaining a minimum overall height of the adjustable turn-over head support 51'. A pin type thrust bearing I99 may be provided between the sprocket 99 and the removable cover I9I of said adjustable turn-over head support 51.

Power for driving the shaft 93 is derived from the sprocket I92 (Fig. 3) driven from shaft 35 through the intermediary of a chain I93. A jaw type clutch I04 is provided for effecting engagement or disengagement of the sprocket I02 and the shaft 39. As best seen in Fig. l of the drawings, operating mechanism I05 is provided for controlling the clutch I04. This clutch I04 is provided so that rotation of the turntable 2'3 may be effected without operating the gear train including shaft 93.

To effect rotation of the screw shafts I9 and and thereby to control adjustment of the vertically adjustable frame I2 with respect to the rigid frame I0, a gear I05 (Fig. 6) is keyed to the shaft 93 and drives a gear I0! rigidly mounted on a clutch element I08, said gears I06, I07 being connected through the intermediary of an idler gear I09. It may be pointed out that the gear I09, as seen in Fig. 9, is removably mounted on a web of the rigid frame I0 by an anti-friction. roller bearing III! carried by a washer I II on a stud shaft I I2, which shaft I I2 is welded to said web of frame I0.

The upper end of the screw shaft 89 has keyed thereto a quill I I3 which carries at its upper end a sprocket H4. Sprocket IE4 is adapted to drive a sprocket I I5 carried by a quill I I6 keyed to the upper end of screw shaft I9 whereby the screw shafts I9 and 80 would rotate in unison. Said sprockets H4 and II5 are driven through chain III which is kept in proper tension by adjustable tensioning mechanism III which also performs the additional function of keeping the chain II'I out of contact with the sprocket 99.

To provide drive mechanism for the screw shaft 89 I provide a clutch element II8 which is feathered on the screw shaft 80 for vertical adjustment with respect thereto, which clutch element carries a friction surface H9 adapted to co-operate with the clutch element I68. A ship per I20 adapted to be operated by a shaft IZI is provided for controlling the engagement or disengagement of said clutch elements I53 and H8. Shaft I2I is adapted to be rocked upon the operation of handle I22 through the intermediary of an adjustable connecting link I23 and lever I24. It will be evident that upon lifting the handle I22, as viewed in Fig. 8, the shaft I2! will be rocked in a counter-clockwise direction to lift the clutch element II8 and to engage the friction surface II9 with the clutch element I68.

It will thus be evident that a driving connection may be provided at will between the shaft 03 and the screw shafts I9 and 80 to effect vertical adjustment of the vertically adjustable frame I2 with respect to the rigid frame I0. It will be evident, of course, that the nuts I! and I6 cooperate with the screw shafts I9 and 80 to hold the vertically adjustable frame F2 in any ad'- justed position.

As best seen in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the vertically adjustable frame I2 is provided with an integral neck I25 which forms a drum type support for the turn-over head 58. Within the neck I25 there extends a horizontal shaft I26 supported upon anti-friction bearings I21 and carrying at its opposed ends bevel gears I28 and I29. The bevel gear I28 meshes with bevel gear and thus the shaft I26 is driven through the train of gears including the shaft 93.

The turn-over head 58 comprises a frame I30 having a supporting collar I3I adapted to be supported by the neck I25 through an interposed journal bearing I32. It will thus be evident that the turn-over head 58 is mounted for rotary adjustment with respect to the adjustable turnover head support 51 about a longitudinal and horizontal axis.

As best seen in Fig. 14 of the drawings, in order to prevent the inadvertent removal of the turnover head when the mining machine is moved rearwardly to withdraw the cutter bar 59 from a kerf, a locking mechanism in the form of an H- shaped bracket I33 is provided which is carried by the collar I3I and extends into a circumferential groove I34 in the neck I25. It may be pointed out additionally, that a gear casing I35, as best seen in Fig. '7, also has a flange I35 which projects into the groove I34 to aid the work of bracket I33. Within the groove I34 there is also provided a split worm gear I36 rigidly attached to the neck I25 by machine screws I31.

Within the frame I30 of the turn-over head 58 there is provided a shaft I38 mounted for rotation by antifriction bearings I39 and I40. The bearings I39 is actually carried by the adjustable plate I4I which is adjustably mounted with respect to the frame I30 for pivotal movement on the axis of the shaft I38 by journal bearing I42. The plate MI is held to said frame I30 by a removable ring I43 having a retaining flange, and held to the frame I30 by screws I44. The plate I4I carries the cutter bar 59 and of course provides for the adjustment of said cutter bar 59 with respect to the turn-over head 58 about the axis of said shaft I38, as aforesaid. Bearing I40 is actually carried by removable cover I30 of frame I30.

A locking pin I45 is carried by the frame I30 and is adapted to co-operate with any one of a plurality of apertures I45 carried by the plate I4I to lock the cutter bar 59 in any selected position of adjustment. The pin I45 may be operated from either side of the cutter head by handles I41 carried at the ends of shaft I48 adapted to control the operation of pin I45 upon rocking movement, through the shipper I 49.

The shaft I38 carries a sprocket I50 which cooperates with the cutter chain 60 to drive said cutter chain around the cutter bar 59 to perform a kerf cutting operation. The direction of travel of the cutter chain will be determined by the direction of rotation of the reversible motor 35. Rotation of the shaft I38 to drive the sprocket I50 is provided through the bevel gear I5I mounted on and keyed to a clutch element I53 provided with jaws I54. A quill I52, loosely carried on the upper end of the shaft I38, is keyed to said clutch element I53.

Feathered on the shaft I38 is a co-operating clutch element I55 provided with jaws I56 adapted to engage the jaws I54 when in one position of adjustment. It will be evident that upon the engagement of the jaws I54 and I56, the power from the shaft I26 will be transferred to said shaft I38.

For operating the clutch element I55 I provide a shipper I51 which may be operated from a shaft I58 controlled by levers I59 (Fig. 5) on either side of the turn-over head 58. To provide power means for turning over the head 58 about the axis of the shaft I26, the quill I52 is keyed to a sprocket I68 by a horizontal key ISI comprising a safety shear pin (see Fig. 16) which may be retained in place on said quill by a washer I62 (Fig. 3). This particular construction is provided to maintain at a minimum the thickness of the hub of the sprocket I60 whereby the distance from the axis of the shaft I26 to the top of the turn-over head 58 may be maintained at a minimum. This is to allow for the entry of the mining machine into a relatively low vein mine when the turn-over head is in the position illustrated in Fig. 3.

As best seen in Fig. 5 of the drawings, the sprocket I68 is adapted to drive a sprocket I68 through a chain I85 which also travels over an adjustable tensioning mechanism I65 including a roller I 68. The sprocket I63 carries clutch jaws I61 which are part of a clutch mechanism illustrated in Figs. 7 and 15 which control the turning over of the turn-over head 58. This clutch is a novel arrangement and is provided to maintain a minimum height of head for the reasons above set forth.

The sprocket I63 is journaled on a quill I68 which carries laterally extending jaws I69. The quill I55 is also keyed to shaft I18 which is journaled in the gear case I35 by anti-friction bearings I1 I. There is no relative movement between the sprocket I53 and the quill I68 along the axis of the shaft ITII. Therefore to provide an operative connection between the two I employ a collar I12 provided with dogs I13 adapted to be moved along the axis of the shaft I15 and to engage the jaws I61. It will be evident that the dogs I13 are in permanent engagement with the jaws I89 of the quill I68. To provide the aforementioned movement of the collar I12, I provide a shipper I15 which may be operated from a lever I15 (Fig. 5) controllable by handles I18, one on each side of the turn-over head 58, which are carried on shaft I11 which is provided with a crank or eccentric I18 to pivot the lever I15 about its pivot point I80, upon rotary movement of said shaft I11.

It will be evident that by controlling either of the handles I16, the shaft IIil may be placed in operative relation to the motor 35. Said shaft I'Ifi carries a worm I8! which co-operates with worm gear I36 to provide rotary movement of the turnover head 58 about the axis of shaft I26. The worm I8I will have such a pitch that the turnover head 58 will be locked in any position to which it is adjusted. It is evident that a complete revolution of the turn-over head about the axis of the shaft I26 may be effected. However, said turnover head may be stopped in any desired position of adjustment where it will be automatically retained.

A removable cover plate I82 is provided to enclose the chain I8 and associated mechanism, and when the turn-over head 58 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and is adjusted to its maximum height, said cover plate I82 will be in substantial alinement with the cover plate I M of the adjustable turn-over head support 51. As a consequence the turn-over head 58 will not increase the height of the machine over that required by the adjustable turn-over head support 51.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings, the adjustable turn-over head support 51 is attached to the turntable 21 by the bolts 1| which extend through elongated slots I83. Said slots I83 provide for the longitudinal adjustment of said adjustable turn-over head support 51 with respect to the turntable 21. This adjustment may be effected by the abutment screw I85 (Fig. 3) which is threaded into the rigid frame 10 and abuts the turntable 21. A wrench receiving aperture I85 is provided whereby the stud I84 may be adjusted.

It may be pointed out additionally that a protecting apron I86 (Fig. 2) is provided near the sprocket I50 to protect the cutter chain as it rounds said sprocket I50.

The mode of operation of the device will be obvious from a consideration of Figs. 19, 20 and 21 when considered in connection with the above detailed description of the device. For example, if a bottom horizontal kerf is to be cut, the turntable 21 may be moved to its lowermost position and the turn-over head 58 lowered to its lowest position with respect to the adjustable turn-over head support 51, with the cutter bar 58 on the bottom of said turn-over head 58. In this position the machinemay be driven forward at a sumping speed while sumping the cutter bar 59 into the room face to cut the bottom kerf BI. While in the horizontal position, the cutter bar 59 may be swung by swinging the turntable 21 in either direction upon its upright axis. In addition to making the bottom out, a horizontal kerf may be cut at any elevation between the bottom kerf GI and the kerf illustrated at 52 in Fig. 19 without turning over the head 58. This is provided by the vertical adjustment of the head 58 with respect to the adjustable turn-over head support 51 and by the adjustment of the turntable 21 with respect to the frame 25 by means of the adjustable posts 29.

By turning over the head 58, horizontal kerfs may be cut at any elevation between the top kerf 64 illustrated in Fig. 20 and the intermediate kerf 85. Keri I52 will be at an elevation at least as high as, and preferably higher than, kerf 65.

Two parallel vertical kerfs may also be cut parallel to the tracks at any height between the top kerf 84 and the bottom kerf GI. To cut one such vertical kerf, the turn-over head 58 will be adjusted by worm I8I and worm gear I36 until the cutter bar 59 is in a vertical position where it will be locked by the self-locldng worm I85 and worm gear I38, as illustrated in Fig. 21. Adjusting posts 29 will then be operated, by elevating the front part of turntable 21 more than the rear part, until the cutter bar 58 slopes upwardly as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 21. The machine is then driven along its tracks at a sumping speed, as provided by the drive means therefor operating wheels 22 from motor 23. The cutter chain fill will, of course, be operated to cut the kerf. This action will continue until cutter bar 58 is in the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 21. The screws 19 and of the adjustable turn-over headsupport 51, would then be operated, from their previously positioned adjustment for maximum height of the turn-over head 58 to the minimum height thereof. Thus the cutter bar 59 would move downwardly in a parallel position, under power, continuing the cutting of the kerf. Thereafter the forward adjusting posts 28 will be lowered to tilt the cutter bar 55 downward, thus continuing the downward movement of said cutter bar 59, under power. If necessary to complete the cut, the rear adjusting post 59 will be elevated from its previous minimum low position to tilt the cutter bar 59 even further with its free end in a very low position. Thereafter, the mining machine ismo-ved away from the mine face at a tramming speed, to complete the bottom out of the kerf. It will be evident that by the combined action of the tiltable turntable 21 and the adjustable turn-over head support 51 vertical kerfs between extreme heights may be cut. Two such kerfs may be cut by positioning the turnover head 58 with the cutter bar 59 on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of said turn-over head 58, with said cutter bar 59 parallel to the mine tracks 2I.

It is thus obvious that a very flexible machine pin I45.

has been produced which will cut horizontal kerfs at any height from the floor to the ceiling without blind spots which may cover a range of as high as seven feet. Two vertical kerfs may also be cut along lines parallel with the mine track.

It may be pointed out additionally that the vertical adjustment of the turn-over head 58 provided by the adjustable screws 19 and 80 of the turn-over head support mechanism 51 is sufficient so that the cutter bar 59 may cut a kerf in any horizontal plane between that which it would cut when the head 58 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 19 and that which it would out were the head 58 turned over and the cutter bar 59 on the top thereof with said head 58 in the lowermost position with respect to the adiustable turn-over head support 51. That is, the range provided by screws 19 and 80 is as great as the distance between parallel kerfs cut by merely turning the head over from a position where the cutter bar is on the bottom thereof to a position where it is on the top thereof.

Another feature of my machine lies in the fact that a vertical kerf of appreciable height may be out without tilting the turntable 21 providing a kerf with a rectilinear vertical back which is an ideal kerf for shooting. For example, the turntable is raised to its topmost position and the cutter bar 59 placed in a vertical position. With the plane of kerf cutter 59 vertical the head 58 is elevated to its highest position. Prior to its elevation as aforesaid cutter bar 58 is preferably swung about the axis of shaft I38, and when raised the front thereof is adjacent the mine roof. This provides clearance between the head 58 and the mine roof. The cutter bar 58 is then sumped in, cutting a vertical kerf. This is followed by rectilinear movement of the cutter bar 59 downwardly by adjusting the turntable 21 and the head 58 downwardly, preferably successively.

When the turntable 21 and the head 58 are in their bottom-most positions, pin I45 is released and either the turntable 2'! or head 58, or both, elevated while the cutter bar 59 swings about the axis of shaft I38. This is continued until the axis of the cutter bar 59 extends downwardly a desired amount where it is locked by This is followed by a lowering of the previously elevated turntable 2'! or head 58, until the vertical kerf is completely out between the roof and mine floor. This produces a Vertical kerf having a rectilinear, rather than a curved, back which is ideal for shooting as there is a minimum tendency to form ledges.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims hereto appended, and I therefore wish not to be restricted to the precise construction herein disclosed.

Having thus described and shown an embodiment of my invention, what I desire to secure by screw shafts carried by said rigid frame and cooperating with said nuts to produce relative movement between said rigid frame and said adjustable frame upon rotation of said shafts, a splined shaft carried by said rigid frame and extending through said adjustable frame, drive means for said kerf cutting mechanism comprising a sprocket on said splined shaft and a gear carried by said adjustable frame and driven by said splined shaft, said sprocket being dished to house an anti-friction bearing which supports said splined shaft on said rigid frame, and means for driving said screw shafts from said splined shaft, said means including sprockets on said screw shafts, a chain connecting said sprockets, means for tensioning said chain and guiding it around said dished sprocket, and gears and a clutch connecting said splined shaft and one of said screw shafts.

2. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a turn-over head supported from said main frame on a neck extending longitudinally from said main frame, a collar on said head pivotally mounted on said neck, said neck being grooved peripherally, a worm gear mounted in said groove, a worm co-operating with said gear and carried by said head and which when rotated causes rotation of said head about said neck, a retaining bracket carried by said collar and projecting into said groove to prevent longitudinal movement of said head relative to said neck, and means for operating said worm.

3. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a turn-over head supported from said main frame on a neck extending longitudinally from said main frame, a collar on said head pivotally mounted on said neck, said neck being grooved peripherally, a worm gear mounted in said groove, a worm co-operating with said gear and carried by said head and which when rotated causes rotation of said head about said neck, a housing for said worm carried by said head and projecting into said groove to prevent longitudinal movement of said head relative to said neck, and means for operating said worm.

4. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a turn-over head supported thereby on a neck extending longitudinally there from, a collar on said head journaled on said neck, a worm gear on said neck, a co-operating worm carried by said head, a worm shaft, means for driving said worm shaft to rotate said head including a clutch, said clutch comprising a quill keyed to said shaft, a sprocket gear journaled about said quill for free rotation relative thereto, jaws carried by said quill and gear, and means including interlocking dogs movable into and out of position to effect a driving bridge between said jaws, said gear and quill being fired against axial movement.

5. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a supplementary frame adjustable with respect thereto and supported thereby, a flat kerf cutter, a turnover head supporting said kerf cutter, means supporting said turnover head comprising a neck extending from said supplementary frame and a sleeve extending from said turnover head, a worm gear attached to said neck and protected by said sleeve, a worm meshing with said worm gear and movable with said turnover head, and power means for driving said worm including chain and sprocket means carried by said turnover head.

6. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame, of a flat kerf cutter, means for mounting said kerf cutter on said frame comprising a turnover head, means for adjusting said turnover head vertically relative to said frame, power means for turning said head on its axis and for adjusting it vertically, said power means includ ing a pair of chain and sprocket drives, one carried by said turnover head, the other by said frame.

7. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame, of a turnover head mounted on said frame, a flat kerf-cutter mounted on said head, power means for turning over said head, said power means including a worm gear, a meshing worm, and chain and sprocket means all mounted on said head, and means effecting an enclosure of said power means on said head.

8. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame, of a bearing neck extending substantially horizontally from said frame, a turnover head including a sleeve journaled on said neck, a cutter bar attached to said head, a cutter chain on said cutter bar, means for turning over said head comprising a worm gear on said neck and protected by said sleeve, a worm mounted on said head for movement therewith, power drive means for said worm and said cutter chain comprising a shaft mounted for rotation in said head, chain and sprocket means connecting said shaft to said worm, and means enclosing said chain and sprocket means.

9. In a mining machine, the combination with supporting framework, of a neck extending therefrom, cutting mechanism, a head for carrying said cutting mechanism, a cylinder journaled on said neck, means for rotarily adjusting said cylinder on said neck to vary the position of the cutting mechanism, a tongue and groove interlocking connection between said cylinder and said neck intermediate the ends of the latter.

10. Ina mining machine, the combination with supporting framework, of a neck extending therefrom, cutting mechanism, a head for carrying said cutting mechanism, a cylinder connect-ed to said head and journaled on said neck, a worm wheel in an annular groove in said neck, a tongue on the said cylinder projecting into said groove to prevent axial displacement of the cylinder relatively to said neck, means connected to said worm wheel to drive the same and adjust the head arcuately, and means for operating said cutting mechanism.

11. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame, of a supporting bearing mounted thereon, a kerfcutter, mechanism mounting said kerf-cutter on said bearing for arcuate adjustment on a horizontal axis relative to said frame, power-transmission mechanism comprising a driven shaft, and means comprising chain and sprocket gearing carried by said mounting mechanism and connected to said shaft to effect such arcuate adjustment of said kerf-cutter on said horizontal axis.

12. In a mining machine, the combination with a chain kerf-cutter, of a cutter-head therefor, a turret frame for supporting said cutterhead and said kerf-cutter, a bearing for supporting said turret frame for arcuate adjustment on a horizontal axis, power-transmission mechanism extending through said bearing to said kerf-cutter to drive the latter, said powertransmission mechanism comprising a transverse shaft, and means comprising sprocket chain gearing on said turret frame and connected to said shaft for operation thereby to effect such arcuate adjustment of said kerfcutter on said horizontal axis.

13. In a mining machine, the combination with supporting framework, of a. bearing carried thereby, a chain kerf-cutter, a cutter-head for said kerf-cutter, a turret frame for supporting said cutter-head and said kerf-cutter and mounted on said bearing for arcuate adjustment relative to said framework, power-transmission mechanism extending from said framework through said bearing and through said turret frame to said kerf-cutter to drive the latter, said power-transmission shaft comprising a transverse shaft extending at right angles to the plane of said chain kerf-cutter, supplemental power-transmission mechanism comprising sprocket chain gearing connected to said transverse shaft and mounted on said turret frame for effecting such arcuate adjustment of the kerf-cutter, and a clutch for controlling at will the transmission of power from said transverse shaft to said supplemental power-transmission mechanism.

14. In a mining machine, the combination with a chain kerf-cutter, of means comprising a turret frame for supporting said kerf-cutter, said turret frame having a rearwardly extending cylindrical collar, a bearing for said cylindrical collar, framework for supporting said bearing in stationary position, a worm gear on said bearing within said collar, power-transmission mechanism connected to said kerf-cutter to drive the same, and supplemental power-transmission mechanism branching from said first-named power-transmission mechanism to said worm gear to effect arcuate adjustment of said turret frame and said kerf-cutter on the axis of said bearing.

15. In a mining machine, the combination with a chain kerf-cutter, of means comprising a turret frame for supporting said kerf-cutter, said turret frame having a rearwardly extending cylindrical collar, a bearing for said cylindrical collar, framework for supporting said bearing in stationary position, worm gearing comprising a non-rotatable worm wheel on said bearing within said collar for effecting rotation of the turret to adjust the position of said kerf-cutter, power-transmission mechanism connected to said kerf-cutter to drive the same, and supplemental power-transmission mechanism branching from said first-named power-transmission mechanism to said worm gearing to effect arcuate adjustment of said turret frame and said kerf-cutter on the axis of said bearing.

16. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a turnover head supported from said main frame on a neck extending longitudinally from said main frame, a collar on said. head pivotally mounted on said neck, said neck being grooved peripherally intermediate its ends, worm gearing for rotating said head about said neck, a retaining bracket carried by said collar and projecting into said groove to prevent longitudinal movement of said head relative to said neck, and means for operating said worm gearing.

17. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a depending extension at its outer forward end, of a supplemental frame, cutting mechanism carried by said supplemental frame, rectilinear guideway mechanism extending vertically between the top and bottom portions of said depending extension for movement of said supplemental frame over a wide range extending to the bottom of said depending extension, mechanism comprising spaced-apart vertical rotatable screws located adjacent to and in front of said rectilinear guideway mechanism for adjusting the elevation of said supplemental frame together with the cutting mechanism carried thereby vertically along said extension, and power-transmission mechanism extending from said main frame to and along said supplemental frame to said cutting mechanism to drive the same and comprising a vertical splined shaft suspended from the main frame and extending through said supplemental frame with its lower end free and unobstructed when the cutting mechanism is elevated, said splined shaft being always in driving connection with power-transmission gearing carried by said supplemental frame, the construction and arrangement being such that at the various elevations of the cutting mechanism the rectilinear guideway mechanism shall be adapted to act as thrust bearing mechanism during rectilienear feed of said cutting mechanism to relieve said shaft and said screws of feeding back thrust and the lower free end of the shaft shall afford an open space below and surrounding the same between said screws for free movement of the supplemental frame along the screws to a lowermost limit of adjustment while said shaft is still maintained in driving relation to the gearing on the supplemental frame.

18. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame having a depending extension, of a supplemental frame, a kerf-cutter carried by said supplemental frame to move bodily therewith, tongue and groove interlocking connections between said supplemental frame and said depending extension to enable said supplemental frame to slide vertically along such depending extension, means comprising spaced-apart nut and screw elements on said depending extension and connected to said supplemental frame to adjust the elevation of the latter together with said kerf-cutter, and power-transmission mechanism between said main frame and said kerf-cutter to drive the same in the various elevated positions of the latter and comprising a splined shaft suspended from said main frame to extend through said supplemental frame while in driving connection with transmission gearing on said supplemental frame with the lower end of the splined shaft in open space when the supplmental frame is elevated, such open space being between the lower ends of the elevating screws to afford freedom of movement of the supplemental frame to its lowermost limit of travel and projecting below the depending extension.

19. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame having a depending extension at its forward end, inwardly extending supports at the lower ends of the sides of said depending extension with an open space between said supports, spaced-apart elevating screws journaled at their lower ends to said supports, nuts threaded on said screws, a supplemental frame carried on said nuts, a kerf-cutter carried by said supplemental frame, power-transmission mechanism comprising a shaft suspended from said main frame to extend through said supplemental frame into said open space and splined for connection to gearing on said supplemental frame and connected to said kerf-cutter to drive the same, and interlocking guiding mechanism between said supplemental frame and said depending extension to serve as thrust bearing mechanism when the kerf-cutter is fed rectilinearly into the mine vein and to retain the supplemental frame connected to such depending extension when the kerf-cutter is pulled out of the mine vein, thereby relieving the shaft and the screws of such feeding and pulling thrusts.

20. In a mining machine, the combination with main frame having a depending extension at its forward end, of a supplemental frame, mechanism for guiding the rear end of said supplemental frame along the rear inner wall of said depending extension, spaced-apart elevating screws, step bearings for the lower ends of said elevating screws at the lower ends of the sides of said depending extension, journal bearings for the upper ends of said elevating screws, nuts threaded on said elevating screws and connected to said supplemental frame to carry the latter, the space between the said step bearings and in front of the lower inner wall of the depending extension being open for receiving the supplemental frame when lowered to project from the lower end of said depending extension, a splined shaft suspended from said main frame to extend through said supplemental frame, the lower end of said shaft being free and unobstructed to extend into said open space when the supplemental frame is elevated, power-transmission gearing carried by said supplemental frame and connected to said kerf-cutter, and means on the main frame for driving said splined shaft for effecting driving of said kerf-cutter in the various elevated positions of the latter as well as in its lowermost position when the supplemental frame is in said open space projecting below the depending extension.

NILS D. LEVIN. 

